School of Music Presents Chicago Symphony Brass

Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 1 p.m.

Memorial Chapel

The University of Redlands School of Music will present a concert by the internationally renowned brass section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the Memorial Chapel on February 18, 2012. The program will include original and adapted works for brass ensemble including highlights from Die Zauberflöte by Mozart, Canzon Septimi Toni II by Giovanni Gabrieli, Concerto in D after Vivaldi by J.S.Bach, Gegensätze by Paul Terracini, Greensleeves by Elgar Howarth and the Final Trio and Waltz Suite from Die Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss. This is the only west coast performance by the brass ensemble.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s brass section has long been known for its matchless brilliance, mighty sound, and spectacular power, contributing to the Orchestra’s legendary and distinctive “Chicago Sound.” With its rich brass sonorities complemented by virtuosic wind and string playing, the music making of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues to elicit worldwide admiration. According to the Chicago History Museum’s online history of the city, this “unmistakable sound and high standard of performance helped define the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a world-class institution. It also made Chicago an international center for the study of brass instrument performance.”

Over the years, Chicago has become a sure destination for those who love great brass playing. Among some of the CSO’s renowned principal players have been Bud Herseth (trumpet), Philip Farkas (horn), Frank Crisafulli (trombone), and Arnold Jacobs (tuba), who are still internationally recognized as the some of the best in their fields. Today’s brass section numbers 14: horns Dale Clevenger, Daniel Gingrich, James Smelser, David Griffin, Oto Carrillo, and Susanna Drake; trumpets Christopher Martin, Mark Ridenour, John Hagstrom, and Tage Larsen; trombones Jay Friedman, Michael Mulcahy, and Charles Vernon; and tuba Gene Pokorny.

This program follows closely on the release of the CSO Brass Live album on CSO Resound label. The concert also marks a special homecoming for University of Redlands alum and CSO tubaist, Gene Pokorny.

In addition to prolific performing careers as orchestral musicians and soloists, many CSO brass players are active educators, working to pass on the great traditions of CSO brass playing. Furthering the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to education and encouragement of young musicians, the CSO Brass perform annually in conjunction with the Midwest Clinic, an international conference for music teachers, students, professional musicians, and administrators.

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students. Tickets are available online and at the Campus Events Office. The Ticket Office phone number is (909) 748-8116.